POTENTIAL rugby stars of the future tried out their new skills during a festival in Southampton.

The competition marked the end of a ten-week rugbycoaching programme that was held at Mansel Park in Redbridge and Daisy Dip in Swaythling.

It was organised by Rob Memory, Southampton's rugby development officer, whose job is funded by the Outer Shirley regeneration programme.

Mr Memory has been helping to develop the sport since he took up the post in November last year.

He has worked with local schools to develop school teams and after-school clubs as well as establishing both a junior and mini section of Southampton Rugby Club.

Mr Memory staged the festival in conjunction with Southampton University, Southampton City Council, Hampshire police and the Rugby Football Union to help promote the sport and encourage even more people to get involved.

He said: "The regeneration money was awarded to enable me to develop the sport of rugby across the Outer Shirley area.''

Some 40 children aged between ten and 16 years took part in the festival, which involved non-contact tag rugby.

The event was staged at the Test Lane Playing Fields, Redbridge.